Earl Mckay

Earl Dean McKay, 85, of Locust Fork , Alabama passed away October 28, 2021 at his home. He was born April 1, 1936 to Lowell and Buefie McKay. A celebration service will take place on Tuesday, November 2 at 12:00 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville.  Visitation will be Monday, November 1st 5-7 p.m. He was preceded in death by his Father, Lowell  McKay; mother, Bufey McKay.  Survivors include his wife, Edna Fay McKay; son, Larry Dean McKay (Kasey); daughter, Edna McKay Edwards (Scott); and grandchildren, Coral McKay Merritt (Perry) , Adam Edwards (Hannah), Karen McKay, Harrison Edwards (Erin) , Liam McKay, and McKayla Edwards; and 5 great grandchildren.

Earl was known for his relentless work ethic and helping hand. He graduated from Hamilton High School and went on to play football at Mississippi State University. After suffering an injury, he moved to Birmingham for work. He retired from ACIPCO after 30 years as a draftsman. In 1979, he contributed in organizing the initiation of the Locust Fork Volunteer Fire department and served as Fire Chief until 1988. He was instrumental in forming many of the other volunteer fire departments within Blount County, dedicating many hours of his life to better equip and prepare the community for the perils of life.

His hard work refused to cease with retirement. He loved spending time outside tending to the lawn and farm. He believed in everyone and everything, including a lawn-mower's ability to operate as a bush hog. Oftentimes, he’d find himself stranded in the yard due to his aforementioned relentless work ethic and ambitious need to have a perfectly cut lawn. The fire department proved to be a worthy investment in times where he found himself in such predicaments that required rescue.  The younger volunteers have always been quick to return the service that Earl had given to the department in years past. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Locust Fork Fire Department. See details below.

Every year on April Fools day, he would turn a year older. Given his quick wit and love for a good  joke, it was only fitting. As light as his heart was, it was also tender. Precious moments never failed to bring tears to his eyes, and rarely did he hold them back. He had a particularly soft spot for well behaved dogs, kids that could sing, and real life stories that resembled the chaotic shenanigans of an “I love Lucy” episode. He had a lifetime of stories bottled up, and was quick to share with anyone willing to sit long enough to listen.

Four days before he passed, he celebrated 62 years with his bride, Edna Fay. She was the one he chose to love for all his days, and he knew how to choose well.

Even when the brokenness of the world weighed heavy on his earthly body, Christ held his spirit close. When memories faded, reminders of his salvation stood firm in his soul. He trusted in God’s control over his life, and prayed daily for the safety and protection of His children and grandchildren. He always had a song of praise in his heart that tended to express itself in a whistled tune. Earl desired for all to know his  Savior Jesus for themselves.

His family grieves today, hating the reality of death, but rejoicing in the promise of eternal life granted through our Savior Jesus Christ. For Earl Dean McKay, death has given way to victory. Death is not the end of life, it is merely a transition from life on earth to Life Eternal. For those who have not trusted Christ as their savior for the forgiveness of sins, he is worthy of your life, trust, and praise.  He is worthy.  May God be honored through the life of Earl Dean McKay.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Earl’s name to to the Locust Fork Fire Department at P.O Box 117 Locust Fork, AL